Ransomware is malicious software or malware used by cyber thieves. It can turn your life and your business upside down. More than just an inconvenience, ransomware can cost you and your business money. After all, that’s what it’s designed to do. So, just what is ransomware? Whom does it affect, and how? Read on to find out.
Cyber extortionists use ransomware to gain access to and hold your computer and its files hostage. The thieves demand you pay up in exchange for their release back to you. It’s illegal, it’s immoral, and unfortunately, it really works.
Types of Ransomware
There are three main kinds of ransomware infections, but no matter the type, they all prevent users from accessing their files one way or the other. The first type of ransomware infection called file encryptor ransomware usually deletes files and encrypts them making them inaccessible. An example of a ransomware virus that operates this way is the Cryptolocker virus.
The second type of ransomware is the WinLocker ransomware where the virus infection locks the entire windows screen and computer windows are no longer accessible.
The third type of ransomware Master Boot Record (MBR) ransomware affects the a computer from the section of the computers hard drive that boots up the system. The MBR ransomware interrupts the normal hardware booting process to display a ransom demand.
Read Also: How to Protect Your Business from the CryptoLocker Virus (Ransomware)
How Does Ransomware get onto a Computer?
Ransomware finds its way onto computers in a few different ways. First, hackers hack. They break into computers and networks, download the software, and disrupt your life and business. Then, there is phishing. When a victim opens a malicious attachment or clicks on a URL, the software downloads. Yet another way ransomware infects is by using something called malvertising, malicious ads placed on websites. Makers and users of ransomware sometimes disguise themselves as police or FBI, informing their victims that they must pay in order to avoid criminal charges. Some have even been known to use the FBI logo.
Who Does Ransomware Target?
Although it has been around for more than a decade, ransomware is getting a lot of attention recently because of its high-profile victims. In February 2016, a California hospital – Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center – ended up paying out $17,000 in ransom fees. Hackers hijacked files that are critical to the hospital’s operating systems. After a brief fight, the hospital gave in, putting patient care and privacy first. Sadly, several other hospitals and medical corporations, internationally, have also been targeted in recent weeks.
Hospitals are becoming popular targets simply because of the nature of their business. Hackers know how important patient safety and privacy is and the legal ramification care facilities face if those are undermined.
Although hospitals are the ones in the news as of late, digital thieves also target many other types of businesses, as well as individuals. The amounts of ransom they demand varies depending on how much they believe their targets have the ability to pay. Individuals are usually hit for a few hundred dollars, while hackers can demand hundreds of thousands and even millions from businesses.
Beyond holding files ransom, culprits will sometimes threaten to release sensitive information unless a company pays up.
Related: What to Look for In a Holistic Business Backup Solution
What are the Options for Defense Against Ransomware?
There are several ways to help defend yourself or your company against these potential attacks. First, arm yourself with a sturdy anti-virus and keep it up to date. A proactive Managed IT Service provider like CompuData can help with the firewall and anti-virus selection and maintenance.
Avoid opening attachments or URLs from anyone you don’t know. Be careful with any attachment you open, regardless of who sent it. Navigate the internet with care, and always be mindful of where you go on the web. Don’t click on any suspicious looking ads. Employ a consistent backup strategy or invest in a managed IT solution that comes with backups so that you can rest easy.
Your business should have a process in place to discuss security measures with your employees and anyone else that has access to your files. It’s important to remind people that not all emails are safe and that not all web pages and their content are intended to be opened on a business computer.
That said cyber criminals are getting smarter, attacking core servers and erasing backup files, pulling safety nets out from under their victims. Diligence and consistency is key. Working with a disaster recovery specialist like CompuData will help to improve your security and offer redundant, backup options.
In today’s digital-savvy business world, data protection and security is ever so critical especially in the face of well-planned and executed cyber attacks that could leave businesses on the brink of closure. Preventive and proactive planning is the only way to ensure that your business is protected and can also be recovered in the event of a disaster, without significant data loss or downtime.
Download your free whitepaper on Proactive IT Support Services to learn more about protecting your business from cyber threats.